FORMER Reds star Phil Neville returns to Old Trafford for the first time since his £3.5million move to Everton convinced brother Gary is the right man to captain United in their current crisis.

Since his departure in August United have lost Roy Keane - the main barrier to Phil getting a regular role in the side - and gone out of the Champions League.

That has left Gary Neville as the new captain, and younger brother Phil believes it is well merited.

"He deserves this for his performances over the years and his loyalty and leadership," said Phil.

"At least there was some good news when Gary got the job, I was so pleased for him.

"For me, apart from maybe Ryan Giggs, he was the only choice. Even when Roy was at the club, Gary was always one of the main organisers. He is one of the most respected men in that dressing room.

"I was desperate for him to get it and when he rang me to tell me, I was delighted. Gary's dream was always to play for United so to captain them is the icing on the cake.

"Sometimes, when you get somebody like Gary, who is a 110% team player, there might be a temptation to think 'Gary will be committed and organised whether we give him the captaincy or not, so we'll give it to someone else to get the best out of their game'."